SACSCOC Accreditation
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of University of Tennessee, Knoxville may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.
Since 1998, the institution has been authorized by SACSCOC to offer distance education programs.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standards are basic measures against which we can examine our institution and make improvements where needed.
The institutional effectiveness standards ask us to engage in the continual improvement of institutional quality. They ask us to be data driven; to review systematically our mission, goals, and outcomes as an institution; and for all our programs (academic programs at college and departmental levels, general education program, student life offices, student support services, administrative support services, research, and community/public service) to do the same.
UT was last reaffirmed by SACSCOC as of January 2016 after review of our Compliance Report submitted in September 2014, and accreditation was continued in 2021.
Regional accreditation in the southern United States dates to 1895 with the inaugural class of Duke University, University of Mississippi, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of the South, Vanderbilt University, and Washington and Lee University. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, were the second class of institutions receiving accreditation.
If you have questions, please contact SACSCOC Liaison Heather Hartman.